Exploring the Sunless Citadel - Kayla

Kiori stands silent, thinking for a bit "there is not glory on defeating a dragon small enough to fit in this cage. I say we help the tiny one."

"Well gentlemen, Daerryls doubts duly noted it would seem that we are in agreement. I suggest you let me continue with the negotiations with their leader Yusdrayl and you will surely notice if and when they break down. Shall we?" And with that Selene gracefully turns and follows Meepo through the door.

Perception when applicable to notice an ambush:10

You are lead into a large chamber (19). A double row of relief-carved marble columns march the length of this long, large hall. The worn carvings depict entwining dragons. There are three well armed kobolds who are patrolling the hall. At firs they raise their spears at your approach but lower them once they see Meepo. "Taking them to see Yusdrayl," you kobold snivels. The other three nod and ready themselves to follow you. 

Turning towards Raadox, Kiori whispers "I don't like that three of them are following us now. It could be a trap."

Daerryl gives a simple “mhmm” in an i-told-you-so fashion at Kioiri’s comment

Raadox nods at the goliath.  "Yes it could," the elf agrees with a smile.  "Best keep our eyes open, though I am not sensing any particular deception from them."

He then turns his attention to the new three kobolds and gestures for them to lead from the front, not follow up behind us.  He also has a look at their strange little dragon-like body language to see if he can sense any signs they are leading us into a trap.

Insight: (+0) 17

Selene wouldn't expect anything less than this precaution from the kobolds and is undeterred in following Meepo to Yusdrayl, confident in her  abilities to negotiate a favourable deal for herself and her "escorts".

The kobolds do seem to be escorting you. One of them moves up the front but they are keeping their eyes on you. 

With the purpose of reducing tension Selene casually tries to get a conversation going in draconic while following along.

"Oh my, Meepo, I love what you´ve done with the place, dragons are such an inspiring motif. Now how should I adress Yusdrayl to give your esteemed clan leader proper respect?"

"Oh just refer to her nicely," Meepo says

A short throne stands near the west wall, constructed of fallen bits of masonry stacked against an old altar. On the top of the altar sit a variety of small items. The portion of the altar that serves as the throne’s back features a carving of a rearing dragon. A metallic key is held firmly in the dragon’s open jaws. Sitting on the throne is a red skinned kobold dressed in a white dress. A pair of well armed kobolds flank her. 

"Meepo! Who do you bring before me?"

You kobold friend sniffles, "Adventurers, they may be able to help get our dragon back." 

The kobold on the throne looks over you, her eyes narrowing as she sees Daerryl. "Speak adventurers."

Selene approaches the throne with a dignified stride and bows gracefully to the clan leader.

"Greetings your highness wise Yusdrayl, red as the fury of the dragons you so loyally revere. I am Selene Moonshade, an envoy from Silverymoon, sent here to investigate a mysterious tree guarded by the same nefarious goblin tribe that is responsible for the cowardly act of stealing your white dragon Calcryx. As it would seem we have a common enemy I humbly suggest an alliance" Persuasion to create alliance: 18 (Rolled with advantage if someone else than Daerryl gives the help action otherwise result is 17)

Yusdrayl looks over you with interest. "You wish to help us with the goblins problem? Hm.... If you return Calcryx to us, I shall grant you a reward. Meepo can accompany you if you desire."

"Oh, a reward your highness, you are too generous, but information on the goblin tribe would be most helpful if we are to retrieve Calcryx your highness."

Selene offers a pen and a parchment from her light backpack "If you most kindly could draw us a map and mark their traps, positions and numbers it would certainly increase our chances of success helping you with your problem your highness" Another persuasion if needed:16

(Again rolled with advantage if someone else than Daerryl gives the help action, otherwise same result)

Kiori stands silently behind Selene, paying attention to the map if the kobolds are willing to draw one.

"We don't know anything about their lair. We have only been able to recapture this much of the citadel in honor of dragons. All we know is that there is a back way into goblin territory. Meepo can show you that way. Return with our dragon." 

"A back way into goblin territory you say, intriguing. I presume that way will be more lightly guarded and it will most likely be to our advantage if we approach the goblin tribe that way. We will return with your dragon within long your highness, be ready with the reward." Insight to sense deception from Yusdrayl:21

Selene then bows again, takes a few graceful steps back and turns to follow Meepo to the back way into goblin territory.

When able to speak to Daerryl, Kiori and Raadox without any eavesdropping Selene continues. "Well gentlemen, I must admit i hoped for more but at least we will have the advantage of approaching the goblins from a way more likely to surprise them. We should of course discuss if delivering the dragon to the kobolds for a reward is in our best interest, but the less fighting the better I would say. What do you say gentlemen?"

“I thought you were splendid in there! And yes, less fighting is good. The more you fight, the more likely it is you take a sword in the belly. Let’s avoid that if possible.”

"This dragon is part of the kobold clan, I understand why they want it back." Kiori adds "we should return it back, we already gave our word." The goliath grabs his shield and makes shure that his flail is ready should the goblins attack them, then prepares to follow Meepo to the secret entrance.

 "Well thank you Daerryl, you were splendid too, keeping yourself calm in the presence of your hated enemy. And by the way Kiori, I just said we would return with the dragon, which we will. We will then see if Yusdrayls reward is to our satisfaction."

Meepo leads you back to where you first met him and through a small door in the side into a winding tunnel. You come into an empty chamber with crumbled flagstone and stains (room 25). Daerryl notices some tracks on the floor of rats and a number of human sized humanoids moving north.

The next room (room 26) is another medium sized chamber. Dust and odd bits of stony debris and rubble lie scattered on the floor. An ornate fountain is built into the eastern wall. Though cracked and stained, the fountain’s overarching carving of a diving dragon retains its beauty. A relief-carved stone door stands on the western wall. To the north the passage continues. Selene and Daerryl both notice a mostly worn-away inscription in Draconic on the basin’s front. It reads, “Let there be fire.”